This morning, I was present at the funeral of a priest’s mother. As I watched this priest offer the Eucharist for his mother, and take leave of her, I thought about the special relationship between Jesus and His Mother, Mary. Jesus loved His Mother with the same special human love that we all share with our mothers. The Scriptures are largely silent about Jesus’ life growing up as a teenager, and as a young adult. Oral tradition says that Jesus left home at 30 years old, and had a 3 year long ministry. How many moments did Jesus have with His Mother, that remain known to only Mary and Himself?

It was very likely these events, unspoken of, that Jesus and Mary held in their hearts, as He carrried the Cross, and as He died. No one will ever be able to completely understand the very personal relationship between a mother and her son. This is certainly the case with Jesus and Mary. Indeed, another oral tradition says that Mary was the first person to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection. We don’t have to believe that, as it is not in the Scriptures, but doesn’t that make sense? I think it does…….

The last words that we hear from Mary in the Gospel of John is, “Do whatever He tells you.” (Ch. 5, verse 2). That is, do whatever Jesus tells you. Her words were not just for the waiters at the wedding feast, but they are for us as well. If Christ is calling you to the seminary, then you have a great woman in your corner, the Mother of God, Mary! Do whatever He tells you. Follow Mary’s words. If you do, she will always be close to you. If you become a priest, know that she will love you with the same love as the love given to her Son.

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About erievocations

I am a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, PA. I am an Assistant Vocations Director, tasked with the promotion of seminary recruitment. My blog deals with discernment of vocations, especially to the priesthood, as well as our universal call to be holy.